Day 1 11/17/13

My day started at 3:00 a.m. for a 6:15 a.m. flight to Miami.  I arrived in Miami and had a three hour layover before leaving for Port Au Prince in the afternoon.  I had plenty of time to eat lunch and rest before making my way to Haiti.  I could have taken an earlier flight but appreciate the layover especially if there are any delays.   After landing in Port Au Prince the anxiety began to build because I knew that I would soon be off the plane, through customs and looking for my transportation to New Life Children's Home.  I navigated through the organized chaos of the airport through baggage claim and realized that my flight had arrived early.  I had to make a decision to wait inside longer or take a chance on my transportation being there and dealing with the crowds.  I took a chance on my ride and made my way outside where I was immediately approached by individuals wanting to get me a taxi, carry my backpack for me and escort me to other areas of the parking lot to wait for transportation.  I did not need any of their services and know that the pushiness they have could mean the difference between having food or not.  This is one of the most stressful parts of the trip because of how fast it all takes place.  I went through my usual routine of wearing sunglasses and repeatedly saying no over and over and calling New Life to follow up.  I purchased a Haitian phone in July and so far it has been a lot of help especially for potentially difficult times.  After what seemed an eternity of waiting my ride arrived and I was on my way to see Wisbens.

The traffic was slow today and I have realized after a few trips that Sunday is the best time to travel to Haiti.  After getting to New Life I put my bags down and began looking for Wisbens.  I found him at the chicken coop feeding the chickens and moving them to clean cages.  I hugged him and we spent time catching up on how things have been since I left last month.  We talked about the recent and upcoming holidays that we celebrate at home and I showed him pictures of Maddox at Halloween.  I explained to him the concept of trick or treating and he seemed surprised that kids wear costumes and knock on doors for free candy.  

I can always count on him asking me within the first 15 minutes of arriving when I am leaving and when will I be back.  I explained to him my purpose of the visit was to not only spend time with him but to continue the work of getting him home soon.  He did ask if I could bring him home to Kentucky this trip and I would love nothing more than to pack him up and bring him home.  

Tomorrow is Vertieres Day/Armed Forces Day and the kids are out of school for the holiday.   I talked with some other families who are currently at New Life in the adoption process about taking Wisbens to the beach tomorrow.  Although the kids are home tomorrow it is potentially unsafe to travel outside of the orphanage.  There are planned protests towards the government tomorrow and some have already begun in Cite Soleil.   I have asked about what the protest are about and it seems as though some Haitians are unhappy with the current president and plan to try and get his attention.  

I have all day tomorrow to spend with Wisbens and I look forward to a great day.